Places to feast

5. Zona Fresca, 1635 N. Federal Highway, 954-566-1777: Zona is great way to start off a list that's about stuffing your face. Slightly north of downtown is this strangely hip Cali-Mexican place. It has the best nachos and quesadillas in the city, and their prices are fairly low. They use the tastiest, freshest ingredients, and have about a half-dozen different salsas from which to choose. After dark, the front patio fills with a younger crowd drinking beers and noshing on chips.

4. Alligator Alley, 1321 E. Commercial Blvd., 954-771-2220: The Alley is well-known among the musicians and food junkies of South Florida. Bands show up early just to grab a bowl of some of the best gumbo in the city before hitting the stage. The gator ribs are hearty enough for any appetite, and drinks literally flow all night.

3. Lester's Diner, 250 W. State Road 84, 954-525-5641: This 24-hour diner is a staple in South Florida, and one of the oldest. While the menu isn't exactly vegetarian-friendly, it does contain some decent desserts. And if you're going to a diner at 3 a.m., go ahead and be honest with yourself, that's a part of what you're really looking for anyway.

2. Pizza Fusion, 1013 N. Federal Highway, 954-358-5353: Pizza Fusion is the only place outside of Whole Foods Market where you can get a 100 percent organic whole wheat pie and a bottle of organic wine for about the same price as Pizza Hut. The pizzas are oval shaped, so it feels as though you're getting more bang for your buck, and this place has every style and topping imaginable. And hey, you're doing something good for the planet too.

1. Buca di Beppo, 5975 N. Federal Highway, 954-229-0922: This Italian restaurant is more like an Italian family's kitchen and dining room, complete with paintings and decorations. Due to portion sizes, it would be unwise to show up with only one person in tow. So here's the plan: grab a group and make a massive multi-date. It's the best way to distract the other person from finding out what you're really like.